Having a typewriter makes you want to write a novel while drinking rum and smoking Cuban cigars. You can’t get that feeling from a computer. It’s amazing seeing young people going back to some of the technology I grew up with. Things like vinyl record albums and even typewriters. I can see a longing for the past and a simpler time from people who have never known a world before computers and the internet. It’s fascinating.
The main good reasons for using typewriters for writing: No distractions; Different editing process; and the satisfaction that each letter, number, and character have been produced by the effort of one's fingers. It is indeed a very different experience in writing letters, poems, books, and even recipes. Of course, you can't forget the WHAP WHAP WHAP!! And, by the way, the machine has a very good paint job.
I own various typewriters three are from the 1930s, while two are from the 1960s and have Spanish keyboard and I have one Smith Corona that has cursive type.
Tristen Brandt oh yes they will, they not only took/stole my Selectric ll typewriter, they stole my pots of off my stove and cabinets too! Thieves have no limits, they will steal scent of off poop, if they can tolerate the smell!
Oh yes thieves do stole typewriters, they broke into my home and stole my selectric ll typewriter! Thieves are not choosy, they will steal you if it’s possible, a thief is a thief, is a thief, never underestimate those evil devils!
I used Selectric twos on several Admin Jobs I had for older and long established companies I have worked for...So relaxing compared to a Computer with twitchy bugs!
As a computer support specialist and a programmer, I find it fascinating to be able to type without looking at a screen + the sounds it produces. For me, that is a good enough reason.
Love your video. I'm a typewriter repairman and also refurbish machines to sell. It's funny how these vintage machines live on despite all the technology that is available today.
I have a broken finger bar about 3 in in on a old Royal looks about a 40 or 50s model I work on everything else but I saw that you were a mechanic and I thought you might have some advice half of the keys are stuck but some are freeing up but I'm going to have to take the rest of the bar out to repair it thank you
Beautiful machine. I'm seriously thinking of getting something like this. Too many distractions on computers. Just shut off UA-cam....yeah right. Virtually impossible. And there's just something about the feel of an old typewriter and the sound of those hammers hitting the page. Quite romantic. Thanks for posting this video.
you can get ones at flea markets for 5$. even realy old ones.just be ready for a load of weird problems. buttons that have seemingly no pourpose, buttons or things that wen pushed or squezeed do completely unrelated things, things just not working, things falling of that then just dont apear to be missing, typewriters eating paper, the list goes on.
Many advantages to using a typewriter rather than a computer: when one side of the page is fillef up, turn the page around, type on the other side; you don't have to wait for a printer to print; your system never crashes, causing you to lose data; and if your typewriter--if it's electronic--gets unplugged, you don't have to worry about your process not being saved. You have all these worries with a computer.
Eh modern computers have data storage that can survive power outages known as hard disk. Computer automatically switches to a new page seamlessly, no fumbling with paper.
@@ILovePancakes24 Modern computers are far less tactile than typewriters. Working on a typewriter I have no need of hard disks and storage backup, because all my work is on the page already. I'd rather look at a blank piece of paper than a blank screen.
I write on a Smith-Corona Galaxie Twelve and agree on all your points. I've been writing stories and screenplays on a typewriter for less than a year and haven't gone back to writing on a computer since. Orson Welles once said "The absence of limitations is the death of art."
Wonderful! Thanks for the compliments and interesting quote by Welles... will have to contemplate that a bit. Perhaps suggesting that art is only created through human struggle?
The Aspiring Typist no it just means that limitations help with creativity like shooting film vs digital w photography. Or that typewriters allow you to write without the editor part of you interfering. Or that you're more thoughtful of the words you're typing on the page because it's permanent. That sort of thing.
My young kids (11 and under) are all interested in typewriters. We have several in the family. Glad to see other people using typewriters for writing. Keep up the videos!
I'm 15 myself and I'm typing all of the rambling scheisse that comes into my mind on my grandmother's old typewriter. It really is jolly good fun and a good venting method to be perfectly honest with you
@@Harlem55 NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden also used a typewriter to prevent any possible digital footprint. Those of us who value our privacy might also want to take a page from his book!
Using a typewriter when you are a kid is amazing. I played a lot with the typewriter my parents used to have when i was a kid and i ended up taking it over and was typing on it a lot because they didn't really want it. it was not a small or lightweight one but really big and heavy chunky one but that didn't bother me too much. Once it stood somewhere i was glued to it and loved seeing every mechanical motion of the keys actually doing something. Typed a lot of thing with it when i was a teenager but the machine kinda got lost after moving a few times. Nowdays typewriters cost next to nothing if you buy one somewhere on a fleamarket and refresh it yourself. Something you really appreciate even more when you had been using one as a kid. So yeah, i can totally see why kids find it fascinating. You should definitely get them one and ignite the spark for that fascination and interest :)
dude, everything you said about writing using a typewriter resonated perfectly with me. I'm an aspiring writer and it's hard to write on my laptop because of all the distractions! When I sit before my laptop to write I instead find myself checking Twitter and my emails! With a typewriter you don't have any other option but to write!
+Doc Holliday That’s awesome to hear. I’ll be sharing my ‘new’ writing desk soon. A space I carved out just for writing. Helping to set one place to write also can get you down to business!
Hello, I just wanted to say thanks. Recently, I purchased two typewriters and it was the best money I’ve spent in a long while. This was one of the videos that contributed to my spending. I find that sitting down after a long day, writing away is relaxing and I become more self aware as a result. I hope to see more videos on your channel. It’s a shame it’s been such a long time since the last upload, so I hope you make a post soon. Have a nice day!
This very video sparked my love for manual typewriters three years ago. Thank you for that, Mr. Aspiring Typist!! I now have a collection of 12 machines. However I haven't yet written a single word of fiction which had been the original plan... :-) I started some snailmail correspondences however and last year I married my Chinese pen-friend. So you could say that typewriters found me a wife and got me married! Writing fiction is still on my mind though...
I recently brought a qwerky keyboard which imitates a lot of the sensation of using a typewriter while still connecting to a computer - best of both worlds
My parents purchased my first typewriter for me at Christmas when I was ten years old. It was a 1954 Smith Corona "Silent Super", much like yours except original paint and Tab "SET" & "CLR" on the right of the Tab key. Interestingly, I found myself settling into a relaxing rhythm, which in turn gave me greater speed. In my high school typing class I reached speeds of 70wpm on this Smith Corona manual. (The high school secretary got jealous, as she was doing 65wpm on the IBM Selectric in the school office!) I'm happy I still have the machine, and in a few weeks I'll sing "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down & Write Myself a Letter" at my Entertainer's Club, using this typewriter to give special sound effects (the Bell rings at the end of my song!)😀
I'm an author and I miss the awesomeness of the typewriter. I use my Word program to work and then I use it's reader, then I stop, make notes, etc. But I like this process, it's less of a distration from the world. See like right now I'd be writing, not looking UA-cam videos on typewriters... however that said, I print up my final product and go page by page, and red line it, highlight it, and even add sticky notes to it. This would be why I want a typewriter again. Today I was feeling under the weather and had to lay down. I ended up having a lucid dream about typewriters (which weirdly enough is why I am here). The typewriter was both a throwback as well as with one piece of technology. Regular typing with paper, backspace (backspace only) to erase a typo, and when done with a section or chapter, I could print it. At which time I could go through the novel, find the typos and plotholes. The entire thing could be automatically saved tp a jump drive to download to the computer in the Times New Roman 12 pt, double-spaced 1 inch margins etc my publisher wants, where I would address the obvious plotholes etc, and then whoosh it off to a beta group and then the editor.
Great introduction to the benefits of using a typewriter in in parallel with modern writing technology. Enjoyed the video, thanks for making. Love the colour. Mind is a Smith Corona Super. Looking forward to your other videos.
I have used a typewriter for course work, I love the feel and response that you get with a manual typewriter. I have three manual typewriters one electric daisy wheel typewriter.
Totally agree. Getting a typewriter has made me a better writing machine. The sound of the clicks and the whirr drown out the rest of the world. I'm so into the story when I write on my typewriter, rather than thinking about editing. I also love the feeling of building a tall stack of paper. Every time another page is done and I put it down in the stack, I feel a sense of accomplishment that I simply don't feel when I complete a page on Google Docs. And your theory about it being like a bed I agree with as well. My process is that I draft the story on my typewriter then copy what I wrote into a google doc, making a sort of draft 1.5. When I get on the computer, I notice right away the difference in the level of distraction. I start getting pop-ups, sticky keys, etc. I get the urge to take a break to check emails. My only problem with it is that I can't take my current Electric Smith Corona Sterling 12 to school in the fall because it's loud and would annoy the shit out of my roommates. I might invest in a quieter typerwriter for then.
I absolutely love this video, all of these reasons were the ones I had considered getting a typewriter anyway so to hear that it's worked for someone else makes me think it would be an awesome decision for me!
Great video thanks mate, I'm considering getting one for all of the reasons you have just said and I really needed to see this. Now it's decided. Thanks man.
I like the point you make regarding not having an easy editing option (as with electronics), in other words one tries harder to get it right first time with a type writer, which is of course a great form of self discipline in itself!
Love your thinking and you're so right in no distractions...I've been a typewriter technician since I joined IBM at the beginning of 1977 and my specialty was the IBM Golfball typewriter but when I branched out and started my own work from home typewriter service and repair business in 1987 I then took on all typewriters both manual and electric. The beauty of your typewriter of choice is you can take it anywhere and use it no matter if there is power or not...I ended up servicing a lot of manual typewriters for a local church who used to send them over to Tanzania for the very reason that they didn't need power to work. I have subscribed to your channel and look forward to catching up on your previous and future videos, keep up the good work in spreading the advantages of manual typewriters.
I stumbled across this video right before buying my very first typewriter. I’m taking it all as a sign...I had mentioned a couple times in the past few weeks how I’ve always wanted to write a book. Then while Christmas shopping I saw this really neat blue, modern, brand new typewriter. I instantly became obsessed and started researching and found a lot of different ones for sale in my area. I wanted something older not a brand new one in a box (vintage)! I’m hoping this is a first step to a great thing. Would love more videos on typewriters and writing, so glad I found your channel!
Great video - I am subscribed now. I have been considering buying a typewriter for a little while now, and your vid spurred me on. Keep up the good work!
In love with this particular model you are using and then right at the end of the video I clocked it was called a Smith-Corona and was like..."bloody corona" I can't escape COVID even when watching dope typewriter videos haha
Wow! Totally in agreement with you regarding the very valid points you made as to why you use a typewriter! Just now, I'm also chuckling at the irony of how a decice from the past is facilitating a writer to move FORWARD so proficiently, also taking place in the FUTURE from when it was originally developed lol! I just purchased my first typewriter earlier this week- a vintage underwood typewriter from the 1950s! It needs a good cleaning, which I am currently working on. Once that is done, I'll get to actually experience USING one of these machines in my everyday life for real! A huge jump from simply seei g them i action on youtube! Found your channel by watching your video on how to clean a typewriter! 😊❤👍
Truly inspiring! Loved the way you got really into what the main differences are from working on a digital device to the analog, mechanical typewriter in terms of workflow, being in the zone and all that - before getting into the actual show-and-tell of the machine itself. Really enjoyed the video! And your machine looks (and sounds 🤤) awesome btw! Really nice custom job you did there 👍👍👍 I am definitely going to intensify my search for my own first typewriter, after watching this. Thanx again 🙏😊
I’m not even a writer, just a programmer interested in the process of writing. But everything that you said clicked with me, such of a precise description of the creative process! I just got a Lettera 22, let’s see how it goes! 😀
LOOOOOVE the typewriter. Learned how to type on one when I was a kid (mid-1970s) and used them until my first computer in the early 1990s. But I totally know what you're talking about: the feel of the machine, the words pounding onto the page (and the sound of it!), the "messiness" of it (computers tend to be rather sterile). And yes, having those papers in your hands -- sublime. To this day I still need to print my pages when I do my edits. There ain't nothin' like attacking a stack of printed words with a red pen!
I love Smith-Coronas and I still regret the one I let get by me in an Antique Store 1994, it was black metal with a Brass Painted Plate with Palm Trees and a Sunset on it! What a fun Video and a great Red Paint Job! Looking forward to more ()'s NoVa
I own a Olypia SM9 1966 , im a film student when i write out my screenplays its so much nicer typing and hearing the clicking and just pushes me to write .
Thank you so much for your advice about owning a typewriter. Like you, I am fully aware of the capabilities of all the other electronic media devices that are available. However, I've been thinking about trying out some creative writing and have been looking at typewriters for sale on Ebay. I write to thank you for your thought pattern on why you like to use one. And to say that your personal reasons to justify owning one for writing are aligned completely with my own. And therefore I shall press ahead. So thanks again and good luck with the writing and of course the publishing. Bob Thompson (SL8 5RN in the UK)
I appreciated this video so much. I just bought my first typewriter from an antique shop. It’s a smith corona sterling as well- no idea the year. Need to have it cleaned or learn how to clean it myself. I want to work on a typewriter as well.
I did not learn to type formally until the late 1980s, in High School. Our school had old Royal office models from the 40s. At home, as papers needed to be typed, I used my stepfather's Royal Quiet We Luxe. When I departed for college in 1990, my step-grandparents gave me a Royal Arrow portable. I have used it to the present. It is a black crinkle paint 1940s machine, probably a WWII survivor. As a little kid in the later 70s I had found a machine in the dump above my old home. It was just a toy. Later in High school I typed, and college. I was on a very delayed College plan- grad 2009 and got strange looks turning in typed papers. I have an original red Quiet Deluxe looks 50s. I also got a thrift store Smith Corona Classic 12 with cursive type.
I typed this on someone's reply but eh... I'm 15 myself and I'm typing all of the rambling scheisse that comes into my mind on my grandmother's old typewriter. It really is jolly good fun and a good venting method to be perfectly honest with you Edit: For those interested, it's an Olivetti Studio 44
Hey, thanks for the video! I looked this up because I've had a typewriter sitting around for about 3 years that I've never used (and don't know how to). Finally pulled it out today, hoping to learn!
Thanks for the video. I'm in the same situation where I am an inspiring writer but find with my laptop and iPad I'm too easily distracted. I have an old Royal Quiet De Luxe that I'm looking into having fixed up. It seems mostly in good condition but the keys don't connect with the paper. Look forward to seeing more of your vids.
I got mine from a friend as a gift. And definitely it's been the best gift I've ever got lately. The sensation of typewriting is the best. I got back the feelings for writing. I really think the typewriter is the best one for writing with true feeling. There's no Delete There's no correction There's no more distractions. You're the responsible for the letters. And that's the best !!! I'm really addicted to writing. And I choose the typewriter too as personal machine !!! PS: congratulations, this Smith Corona Red is really amazing. As soon, I wanna get one !!! Mind is an Olivetti Lettera 35.
Some of my writers' workshop mates gave me a 1966 Remington Monarch for Christmas as they know how much I dislike wordprocessors. You have consolidated my own reasoning for this preference. Thank you!
I love your story about your typewriter I been a fan of typewriters since I was 10 years old. I am happy to see people who are interested in the machine.
This is an amazing video! Very well informed, as a 12 year old internet native, I have never really used anything other than a computer to write, and I can absolutely agree with the distractions. I mostly write history papers etc. so the computer for me allows me to research, but also makes me prone to being side tracked by all the rabbit holes to dive into. I find that the best way I write is by reading books and writing on word with no internet. What type writer would you reccomend?
❤️📕 I love the colour. I've been looking for a Smith Corona 1950's silent super. I have a Underwood 18 and it is slightly uncomfortable. Great points on the comparison. I am an aspiring writer too. I love the sound of typing it's ideas flowing.
Fantastic video! I am seriously considering it now. I already have 24k words of my novel on digital, which means that I’d need to transcribe loads of pages. But I often get distracted, and pay too much attention to the word count. Having a physical copy is super satisfying.
Thanks so much for your excellent video! I’m sure that Tom Hanks would be very pleased with your video, he has some wonderful typewriters that he uses, if you haven’t seen the documentary yet called “California Typewriter”, I encourage you to see it. Thanks for your bravery, courage and dedication to getting ink on paper with these wondrous machines!
Hi Michael, I've just watched your video and I really enjoyed it. I hope that one day you'll upload another video... I totally agree with what you said!
Beautiful typewriter! I'm happy I found your channel. I bought an expensive beautifully restored Hermes Rocket only to fall in love with a relatively inexpensive Smith Corona 5TE that I found on ebay:) Looking forward to following your journey.
It is quite funny that a good number of us go out and spend a decent chunk of our change on a machine only to find that we like one better at a much cheaper price. The Hermes rocket has always looked fun to me and I would love to try one, but the small return lever might irritate me a bit. Enjoy the Smith Corona! :)
Doing as much typing as you do you may want to skip the Hermes Rocket and find yourself a Hermes Ambassador. Mine is a real pleasure to use and can handle a heavy workload with ease.
Thanks for this interesting video! It actually motivated me to get an Olympia SM3 typewriter (from 1958). It's in good working order and I really like it! :-)
Great vid! Just got my first typewriter, i like what you said about being in the zone, ready to write at the instant moment when you sit down in front of it, it's a delight to be able to work on one thing at a time, free of distractions. Love the authenticity of these devices. ps. this was not written on a typewriter ;-)
The Aspiring Typist got my first one today actually, Adler/Triumph Tippa, gift from moms. The ribbon has almost entirely dried out, but still kinda types. Replacement is on the way, managed to eek out a 10 page story, loved every moment of typing on it, the mechanical feedback is actually inspiring me to keep on typing, it is such a great feel and sound, i got back on my pc a moment later, felt something missing there for a moment.. I sense a moderately expensive hobby taking shape and place in heart and mind right now.. Do you by any chance know if there is a good way to reuse/refill old ribbons? 🙂
That's great. Enjoy using it! There are ways to reinvigorate an old ribbon with oils (search the web for examples), but I always just buy new ribbons since they aren't very expensive. Plus... (to be honest) I don't feel like going through the labor process.
New subscriber here because of this video..Just speaking on this with a friend the other day. Also, old Singer sewing machines are having a Renaissance. Good video. Love the red paint! Does the typewriter have a name?
I loved this! You are so spot on about writing without distractions. Sometimes I just can't write for shit with distractions, so I have to go to pen and paper. My mom has an old electric typewriter she told me I could have, and I just wanted to be sure it would be safe before I moved it, and I think I'm finally going to get it. I'm worried a little about the ribbon since it's been so long since she used it. Do you think you can find replacements on eBay? I'll have to find the model number and everything on it when I drag it down lol!
Hello, sir! I loved your video and I'm really hoping to see more. Are you going to post a how-to guide on painting Smith-Coronas? Once again thank you so much my friend!
I hit the typewriter rabbit hole HARD! I went thrifting today and found 2 electric typewriters. I got a Smith Corona WordSmith KA1 1 for THREE DOLLARS! Came home, plugged it up...WORKS LIKE NEW!!!!!! All it needed was a little dust scrubbed off it. And also at another thrift store today, found a Sears SR3000 for SIX DOLLARS! Sadly the Sears unit it making all kinds of grinding motor noises, and things aren't moving and when they do it's not pretty...... BUT I am sooooo happy with the Smith Corona WordSmith!!!!!!!! Used it for my brain dump Journal that I usually use pencil with. Now to round out the collection going to be looking for a Manual typewriter.
Great informative video! I have a video request. Can you make a video explaining how you customized your typewriter? What type of paint, how you applied it, etc. I may be buying a Remington Quiet-Writer Miracle Tab tomorrow, and customizing it is something I'd like to do in the near future. Thank you!
Bonham Stacey I have been asked this a few times and I think I will go over my process, but I did move away from 'custom painting'. In fact, I have a new daily machine. Will share it all soon!
Congrats for your job, your entire channel offers lots of knowledge about typewriters. Now I’d like to ask you which is the best way to move all of our papers typed to the computer and use the papers in the digital platforms? thanks a lot and big hug from Brazil!
If I was asked the same question as the one in the title, I would have a video reply that only would've last 4 seconds: Because it doesn't fucking crash every second minute like Word does.
I actually, learnt when was teenager to write on typewriter Olivetti Lettera 32. Still I have it, and was a great journey go back to that time when there were not computers, and as you said... No distractions, you had to be focused on what you were doing.
I don't think you mentioned about reading a paper document vs a computor screen. Ink on paper so much easier on the eyes. I totally agree with everything else you said.
Did you do a video about painting your typewriter? I am very interested. I have an old smith premier that I would like to clean up and paint it black and shiny as if it was 1930 again.
i think you really get into your story when you type in a typewriter. my friends think i'm weird because i instantly bought a typewriter one morning. (it was 1500 Pesos or 30 Dollars.) there's this good feeling i feel when i type on a typewriter.
+Ish I agree. Typewriters and other ‘single purpose’ typing devices really do allow you to get into the rhythm of your work. Keep enjoying it. Just because others don’t understand the value of it doesn’t mean that there isn’t value.
Having a typewriter makes you want to write a novel while drinking rum and smoking Cuban cigars.
You can’t get that feeling from a computer. It’s amazing seeing young people going back to some of the technology I grew up with. Things like vinyl record albums and even typewriters. I can see a longing for the past and a simpler time from people who have never known a world before computers and the internet. It’s fascinating.
The main good reasons for using typewriters for writing: No distractions; Different editing process; and the satisfaction that each letter, number, and character have been produced by the effort of one's fingers. It is indeed a very different experience in writing letters, poems, books, and even recipes. Of course, you can't forget the WHAP WHAP WHAP!! And, by the way, the machine has a very good paint job.
Whap whap whap dack whap whap whap dack whap whap whap whap whap whap whap whap DING! Wirrrrrrrr...
Whap whap whap dack ...
Lets not forget the distinctive fonts that are HARD to find in computers.
I own various typewriters three are from the 1930s, while two are from the 1960s and have Spanish keyboard and I have one Smith Corona that has cursive type.
@@pedromeza2398 hey hey where'd you get your spanish charactered one?
The second best part about having a typewriter:
When there's break-inn the thief won't take it:D
unless the thief is a typewriter fan ;)
Well if I was a thief I would. I'd take the books, and typewriter. Because I'm that type of person :)
Tristen Brandt oh yes they will, they not only took/stole my Selectric ll typewriter, they stole my pots of off my stove and cabinets too! Thieves have no limits, they will steal scent of off poop, if they can tolerate the smell!
Oh yes thieves do stole typewriters, they broke into my home and stole my selectric ll typewriter! Thieves are not choosy, they will steal you if it’s possible, a thief is a thief, is a thief, never underestimate those evil devils!
I used Selectric twos on several Admin Jobs I had for older and long established companies I have worked for...So relaxing compared to a Computer with twitchy bugs!
I'm watching this instead of writing.
Ok mr Russian.
"Those who write are writers. Those who wait are waiters." (A. Lee Martinez)
As a computer support specialist and a programmer, I find it fascinating to be able to type without looking at a screen + the sounds it produces. For me, that is a good enough reason.
Love your video. I'm a typewriter repairman and also refurbish machines to sell. It's funny how these vintage machines live on despite all the technology that is available today.
Could you tell how old a Remington model 5 is? I have no clue. Serial number B97644. $30 at a thrift store.
My question Mark key won’t go up on my coronamatic 2200. I’ve cleaned it. Any idea how to fix?
I have a broken finger bar about 3 in in on a old Royal looks about a 40 or 50s model I work on everything else but I saw that you were a mechanic and I thought you might have some advice half of the keys are stuck but some are freeing up but I'm going to have to take the rest of the bar out to repair it thank you
@@Sage-qd6tf 1941
Beautiful machine. I'm seriously thinking of getting something like this. Too many distractions on computers. Just shut off UA-cam....yeah right. Virtually impossible. And there's just something about the feel of an old typewriter and the sound of those hammers hitting the page. Quite romantic. Thanks for posting this video.
you can get ones at flea markets for 5$. even realy old ones.just be ready for a load of weird problems. buttons that have seemingly no pourpose, buttons or things that wen pushed or squezeed do completely unrelated things, things just not working, things falling of that then just dont apear to be missing, typewriters eating paper, the list goes on.
Many advantages to using a typewriter rather than a computer: when one side of the page is fillef up, turn the page around, type on the other side; you don't have to wait for a printer to print; your system never crashes, causing you to lose data; and if your typewriter--if it's electronic--gets unplugged, you don't have to worry about your process not being saved. You have all these worries with a computer.
Eh modern computers have data storage that can survive power outages known as hard disk. Computer automatically switches to a new page seamlessly, no fumbling with paper.
@@ILovePancakes24 Modern computers are far less tactile than typewriters. Working on a typewriter I have no need of hard disks and storage backup, because all my work is on the page already. I'd rather look at a blank piece of paper than a blank screen.
I write on a Smith-Corona Galaxie Twelve and agree on all your points. I've been writing stories and screenplays on a typewriter for less than a year and haven't gone back to writing on a computer since. Orson Welles once said "The absence of limitations is the death of art."
Wonderful! Thanks for the compliments and interesting quote by Welles... will have to contemplate that a bit. Perhaps suggesting that art is only created through human struggle?
The Aspiring Typist no it just means that limitations help with creativity like shooting film vs digital w photography. Or that typewriters allow you to write without the editor part of you interfering. Or that you're more thoughtful of the words you're typing on the page because it's permanent. That sort of thing.
The Aspiring Typist no its created when you have an idea and you do it stuggle ain't got nothing to do with it
Struggle made people work harder in alot of ways
How do you write a screenplay on a typewriter?
My young kids (11 and under) are all interested in typewriters. We have several in the family. Glad to see other people using typewriters for writing. Keep up the videos!
TypewriterMinutes That is awesome! Love seeing everyone interested!
I'm 15 myself and I'm typing all of the rambling scheisse that comes into my mind on my grandmother's old typewriter. It really is jolly good fun and a good venting method to be perfectly honest with you
There are other non-obvious advantages to a typewriter. (After all, a type-writer was PART of the reason the uni-bomber was so hard to catch.)
@@Harlem55 NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden also used a typewriter to prevent any possible digital footprint.
Those of us who value our privacy might also want to take a page from his book!
Using a typewriter when you are a kid is amazing. I played a lot with the typewriter my parents used to have when i was a kid and i ended up taking it over and was typing on it a lot because they didn't really want it. it was not a small or lightweight one but really big and heavy chunky one but that didn't bother me too much. Once it stood somewhere i was glued to it and loved seeing every mechanical motion of the keys actually doing something. Typed a lot of thing with it when i was a teenager but the machine kinda got lost after moving a few times. Nowdays typewriters cost next to nothing if you buy one somewhere on a fleamarket and refresh it yourself. Something you really appreciate even more when you had been using one as a kid. So yeah, i can totally see why kids find it fascinating. You should definitely get them one and ignite the spark for that fascination and interest :)
dude, everything you said about writing using a typewriter resonated perfectly with me. I'm an aspiring writer and it's hard to write on my laptop because of all the distractions! When I sit before my laptop to write I instead find myself checking Twitter and my emails! With a typewriter you don't have any other option but to write!
+Doc Holliday That’s awesome to hear. I’ll be sharing my ‘new’ writing desk soon. A space I carved out just for writing. Helping to set one place to write also can get you down to business!
Well, for that matter you could just install windows 3 (no networking) on your machine- but yeah, I get the point.
Thank you so much. You have inspired me to finally make the purchase I have been stalling. Great video!
What model did you buy?
Me too 👍👍👍😊
Hello, I just wanted to say thanks.
Recently, I purchased two typewriters and it was the best money I’ve spent in a long while. This was one of the videos that contributed to my spending. I find that sitting down after a long day, writing away is relaxing and I become more self aware as a result.
I hope to see more videos on your channel. It’s a shame it’s been such a long time since the last upload, so I hope you make a post soon. Have a nice day!
This very video sparked my love for manual typewriters three years ago. Thank you for that, Mr. Aspiring Typist!! I now have a collection of 12 machines. However I haven't yet written a single word of fiction which had been the original plan... :-) I started some snailmail correspondences however and last year I married my Chinese pen-friend. So you could say that typewriters found me a wife and got me married! Writing fiction is still on my mind though...
this is so lovely ahh !! CONGRATULATIONS ! you should try out writing fiction on it after all ~ i'm sure you'll enjoy it :))
I recently brought a qwerky keyboard which imitates a lot of the sensation of using a typewriter while still connecting to a computer - best of both worlds
My parents purchased my first typewriter for me at Christmas when I was ten years old. It was a 1954 Smith Corona "Silent Super", much like yours except original paint and Tab "SET" & "CLR" on the right of the Tab key.
Interestingly, I found myself settling into a relaxing rhythm, which in turn gave me greater speed. In my high school typing class I reached speeds of 70wpm on this Smith Corona manual. (The high school secretary got jealous, as she was doing 65wpm on the IBM Selectric in the school office!)
I'm happy I still have the machine, and in a few weeks I'll sing "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down & Write Myself a Letter" at my Entertainer's Club, using this typewriter to give special sound effects (the Bell rings at the end of my song!)😀
I'm an author and I miss the awesomeness of the typewriter. I use my Word program to work and then I use it's reader, then I stop, make notes, etc. But I like this process, it's less of a distration from the world. See like right now I'd be writing, not looking UA-cam videos on typewriters... however that said, I print up my final product and go page by page, and red line it, highlight it, and even add sticky notes to it. This would be why I want a typewriter again.
Today I was feeling under the weather and had to lay down. I ended up having a lucid dream about typewriters (which weirdly enough is why I am here). The typewriter was both a throwback as well as with one piece of technology. Regular typing with paper, backspace (backspace only) to erase a typo, and when done with a section or chapter, I could print it. At which time I could go through the novel, find the typos and plotholes. The entire thing could be automatically saved tp a jump drive to download to the computer in the Times New Roman 12 pt, double-spaced 1 inch margins etc my publisher wants, where I would address the obvious plotholes etc, and then whoosh it off to a beta group and then the editor.
I'm writing my first novel on a 1935 Royal Model O.
how is it coming along?
Update?
Where do you place the margins? I am writing a novel too but not sure where the margins should be to make it look professional
Great introduction to the benefits of using a typewriter in in parallel with modern writing technology. Enjoyed the video, thanks for making. Love the colour. Mind is a Smith Corona Super. Looking forward to your other videos.
I have used a typewriter for course work, I love the feel and response that you get with a manual typewriter. I have three manual typewriters one electric daisy wheel typewriter.
Totally agree. Getting a typewriter has made me a better writing machine. The sound of the clicks and the whirr drown out the rest of the world. I'm so into the story when I write on my typewriter, rather than thinking about editing. I also love the feeling of building a tall stack of paper. Every time another page is done and I put it down in the stack, I feel a sense of accomplishment that I simply don't feel when I complete a page on Google Docs. And your theory about it being like a bed I agree with as well.
My process is that I draft the story on my typewriter then copy what I wrote into a google doc, making a sort of draft 1.5. When I get on the computer, I notice right away the difference in the level of distraction. I start getting pop-ups, sticky keys, etc. I get the urge to take a break to check emails.
My only problem with it is that I can't take my current Electric Smith Corona Sterling 12 to school in the fall because it's loud and would annoy the shit out of my roommates. I might invest in a quieter typerwriter for then.
I absolutely love this video, all of these reasons were the ones I had considered getting a typewriter anyway so to hear that it's worked for someone else makes me think it would be an awesome decision for me!
Great video thanks mate, I'm considering getting one for all of the reasons you have just said and I really needed to see this. Now it's decided. Thanks man.
I like the point you make regarding not having an easy editing option (as with electronics), in other words one tries harder to get it right first time with a type writer, which is of course a great form of self discipline in itself!
Love your thinking and you're so right in no distractions...I've been a typewriter technician since I joined IBM at the beginning of 1977 and my specialty was the IBM Golfball typewriter but when I branched out and started my own work from home typewriter service and repair business in 1987 I then took on all typewriters both manual and electric.
The beauty of your typewriter of choice is you can take it anywhere and use it no matter if there is power or not...I ended up servicing a lot of manual typewriters for a local church who used to send them over to Tanzania for the very reason that they didn't need power to work.
I have subscribed to your channel and look forward to catching up on your previous and future videos, keep up the good work in spreading the advantages of manual typewriters.
I stumbled across this video right before buying my very first typewriter. I’m taking it all as a sign...I had mentioned a couple times in the past few weeks how I’ve always wanted to write a book. Then while Christmas shopping I saw this really neat blue, modern, brand new typewriter. I instantly became obsessed and started researching and found a lot of different ones for sale in my area. I wanted something older not a brand new one in a box (vintage)! I’m hoping this is a first step to a great thing. Would love more videos on typewriters and writing, so glad I found your channel!
Sounds like an awesome sign, Stephanie! Will have a great video on buy used typewriters coming up soon. Keep an eye out!
If you make music, there’s a lot of similar arguments for using tape. No distractions, little editing. Tangible results. Great video
Great video - I am subscribed now. I have been considering buying a typewriter for a little while now, and your vid spurred me on. Keep up the good work!
In love with this particular model you are using and then right at the end of the video I clocked it was called a Smith-Corona and was like..."bloody corona" I can't escape COVID even when watching dope typewriter videos haha
Wow! Totally in agreement with you regarding the very valid points you made as to why you use a typewriter!
Just now, I'm also chuckling at the irony of how a decice from the past is facilitating a writer to move FORWARD so proficiently, also taking place in the FUTURE from when it was originally developed lol!
I just purchased my first typewriter earlier this week- a vintage underwood typewriter from the 1950s! It needs a good cleaning, which I am currently working on. Once that is done, I'll get to actually experience USING one of these machines in my everyday life for real! A huge jump from simply seei g them i action on youtube!
Found your channel by watching your video on how to clean a typewriter!
😊❤👍
Truly inspiring! Loved the way you got really into what the main differences are from working on a digital device to the analog, mechanical typewriter in terms of workflow, being in the zone and all that - before getting into the actual show-and-tell of the machine itself.
Really enjoyed the video! And your machine looks (and sounds 🤤) awesome btw! Really nice custom job you did there 👍👍👍
I am definitely going to intensify my search for my own first typewriter, after watching this. Thanx again 🙏😊
I’m not even a writer, just a programmer interested in the process of writing. But everything that you said clicked with me, such of a precise description of the creative process! I just got a Lettera 22, let’s see how it goes! 😀
LOOOOOVE the typewriter. Learned how to type on one when I was a kid (mid-1970s) and used them until my first computer in the early 1990s. But I totally know what you're talking about: the feel of the machine, the words pounding onto the page (and the sound of it!), the "messiness" of it (computers tend to be rather sterile). And yes, having those papers in your hands -- sublime. To this day I still need to print my pages when I do my edits. There ain't nothin' like attacking a stack of printed words with a red pen!
I just like the satisfying noises they make, and Ive always been incredibly fascinated by anything mechanical.
Excellent video! 6 minutes in and I'm already convinced to get a typewriter :D
Hell im jealous... That paint looks great!!!
Totally agree with you brother, thanks for posting!
Thankyou so much for this video. 3 years ago I was inspired to buy a typewriter by your videos and now I am an avid collector. So thankyou so much!
I love Smith-Coronas and I still regret the one I let get by me in an Antique Store 1994, it was black metal with a Brass Painted Plate with Palm Trees and a Sunset on it! What a fun Video and a great Red Paint Job! Looking forward to more ()'s NoVa
Love your typewriter. Good luck with your writing.
I own a Olypia SM9 1966 , im a film student when i write out my screenplays its so much nicer typing and hearing the clicking and just pushes me to write .
Lovely! Really wanna have a go at writing using a typewriter. 🤗🤗🤗
Thank you so much for your advice about owning a typewriter.
Like you, I am fully aware of the capabilities of all the other electronic media devices that are available.
However, I've been thinking about trying out some creative writing and have been looking at typewriters for sale on Ebay.
I write to thank you for your thought pattern on why you like to use one. And to say that your personal reasons to justify owning one for writing are aligned completely with my own. And therefore I shall press ahead. So thanks again and good luck with the writing and of course the publishing.
Bob Thompson (SL8 5RN in the UK)
im really happy i found this video im looking into getting a type writter and this cleared quite a few things up
I appreciated this video so much. I just bought my first typewriter from an antique shop. It’s a smith corona sterling as well- no idea the year. Need to have it cleaned or learn how to clean it myself. I want to work on a typewriter as well.
We have a lot of thoughts in common regarding technology and work in general man, hope to see a lot more of such content, just subscribed
I did not learn to type formally until the late 1980s, in High School. Our school had old Royal office models from the 40s. At home, as papers needed to be typed, I used my stepfather's Royal Quiet We Luxe. When I departed for college in 1990, my step-grandparents gave me a Royal Arrow portable. I have used it to the present. It is a black crinkle paint 1940s machine, probably a WWII survivor. As a little kid in the later 70s I had found a machine in the dump above my old home. It was just a toy. Later in High school I typed, and college. I was on a very delayed College plan- grad 2009 and got strange looks turning in typed papers. I have an original red Quiet Deluxe looks 50s. I also got a thrift store Smith Corona Classic 12 with cursive type.
I typed this on someone's reply but eh...
I'm 15 myself and I'm typing all of the rambling scheisse that comes into my mind on my grandmother's old typewriter. It really is jolly good fun and a good venting method to be perfectly honest with you
Edit: For those interested, it's an Olivetti Studio 44
Hey, thanks for the video! I looked this up because I've had a typewriter sitting around for about 3 years that I've never used (and don't know how to). Finally pulled it out today, hoping to learn!
Thanks for the video. I'm in the same situation where I am an inspiring writer but find with my laptop and iPad I'm too easily distracted. I have an old Royal Quiet De Luxe that I'm looking into having fixed up. It seems mostly in good condition but the keys don't connect with the paper. Look forward to seeing more of your vids.
Absolutely love your typewriter, I have an Erika enjoyed this.
I got mine from a friend as a gift. And definitely it's been the best gift I've ever got lately.
The sensation of typewriting is the best.
I got back the feelings for writing.
I really think the typewriter is the best one for writing with true feeling.
There's no Delete
There's no correction
There's no more distractions.
You're the responsible for the letters.
And that's the best !!!
I'm really addicted to writing.
And I choose the typewriter too as personal machine !!!
PS: congratulations, this Smith Corona Red is really amazing. As soon, I wanna get one !!!
Mind is an Olivetti Lettera 35.
Some of my writers' workshop mates gave me a 1966 Remington Monarch for Christmas as they know how much I dislike wordprocessors. You have consolidated my own reasoning for this preference. Thank you!
I love your story about your typewriter I been a fan of typewriters since I was 10 years old. I am happy to see people who are interested in the machine.
This is an amazing video! Very well informed, as a 12 year old internet native, I have never really used anything other than a computer to write, and I can absolutely agree with the distractions. I mostly write history papers etc. so the computer for me allows me to research, but also makes me prone to being side tracked by all the rabbit holes to dive into. I find that the best way I write is by reading books and writing on word with no internet. What type writer would you reccomend?
❤️📕 I love the colour. I've been looking for a Smith Corona 1950's silent super. I have a Underwood 18 and it is slightly uncomfortable. Great points on the comparison. I am an aspiring writer too. I love the sound of typing it's ideas flowing.
I'm so glad I found this video. You make some great points. I'm going to search my local thrift stores for a typewriter.
Awesome! I’ll be sharing a video in the future focusing on things to look for when purchasing a used typewriter.
Id prefer to use an ms dos pc for the more comfortable keyboard
Fantastic video! I am seriously considering it now. I already have 24k words of my novel on digital, which means that I’d need to transcribe loads of pages. But I often get distracted, and pay too much attention to the word count. Having a physical copy is super satisfying.
i write on a daro optima model 32 finnish layout and i love writing on typewriter it just feels unique
you make some really good points, thank you.
Thanks for sharing! I learned a lot even some philosophy from this video.
Really enjoyed this. Best wishes always.
Great looking machine!
Thanks so much for your excellent video! I’m sure that Tom Hanks would be very pleased with your video, he has some wonderful typewriters that he uses, if you haven’t seen the documentary yet called “California Typewriter”, I encourage you to see it.
Thanks for your bravery, courage and dedication to getting ink on paper with these wondrous machines!
I love that you make these arguments and wear an Apple watch at the same time - it really says it all :) I'm gonna get a type writer now for sure
Hi Michael, I've just watched your video and I really enjoyed it. I hope that one day you'll upload another video... I totally agree with what you said!
Great vídeo. Nice machine!
Very much enjoyed this video!
You made so many good points I got on Etsy and bought a 1940’s Royal Quiet Deluxe typewriter.
Beautiful! Enjoy that piece of history!
Beautiful typewriter! I'm happy I found your channel. I bought an expensive beautifully restored Hermes Rocket only to fall in love with a relatively inexpensive Smith Corona 5TE that I found on ebay:) Looking forward to following your journey.
It is quite funny that a good number of us go out and spend a decent chunk of our change on a machine only to find that we like one better at a much cheaper price. The Hermes rocket has always looked fun to me and I would love to try one, but the small return lever might irritate me a bit. Enjoy the Smith Corona! :)
Doing as much typing as you do you may want to skip the Hermes Rocket and find yourself a Hermes Ambassador. Mine is a real pleasure to use and can handle a heavy workload with ease.
I just received a “ Smith Corona silent super “ in good condition: ) Looking forward to see where this goes. Thanks for the inspiration !
Do you know where to get new ribbons? I have the exact same model.
Great video. Hoping to get one for myself soon. 🙂
Thanks for this interesting video! It actually motivated me to get an Olympia SM3 typewriter (from 1958). It's in good working order and I really like it! :-)
+Sven-Rajina Gardner Awesome to hear! Enjoy it! The SM3 is an amazing writing tool.
This is so cool. Thank you!
Great vid! Just got my first typewriter, i like what you said about being in the zone, ready to write at the instant moment when you sit down in front of it, it's a delight to be able to work on one thing at a time, free of distractions.
Love the authenticity of these devices.
ps. this was not written on a typewriter ;-)
That's awesome. What are you currently typing on at the moment? Glad you found your method!
The Aspiring Typist got my first one today actually, Adler/Triumph Tippa, gift from moms.
The ribbon has almost entirely dried out, but still kinda types. Replacement is on the way, managed to eek out a 10 page story, loved every moment of typing on it, the mechanical feedback is actually inspiring me to keep on typing, it is such a great feel and sound, i got back on my pc a moment later, felt something missing there for a moment..
I sense a moderately expensive hobby taking shape and place in heart and mind right now..
Do you by any chance know if there is a good way to reuse/refill old ribbons?
🙂
That's great. Enjoy using it! There are ways to reinvigorate an old ribbon with oils (search the web for examples), but I always just buy new ribbons since they aren't very expensive. Plus... (to be honest) I don't feel like going through the labor process.
Yep. the downside to a typewriter- Nothing to masturbate to. XD
Thanks for sharing. I video my collection for entertainment but I don't really type on them daily. I like the fire red color.
Typewriter Passion Great, videos! Thanks for sharing your collection with the world!
Cool. I can remember the sound of typewriting from my father's time.
Thank you for your wonderful video.
New subscriber here because of this video..Just speaking on this with a friend the other day. Also, old Singer sewing machines are having a Renaissance. Good video. Love the red paint! Does the typewriter have a name?
I loved this! You are so spot on about writing without distractions. Sometimes I just can't write for shit with distractions, so I have to go to pen and paper. My mom has an old electric typewriter she told me I could have, and I just wanted to be sure it would be safe before I moved it, and I think I'm finally going to get it. I'm worried a little about the ribbon since it's been so long since she used it. Do you think you can find replacements on eBay? I'll have to find the model number and everything on it when I drag it down lol!
I use to lug my hermes 3000 down the streets of the city in college to write screenplays. It was kinda tricky because the hatch lock was stuck haha
Hello, sir! I loved your video and I'm really hoping to see more. Are you going to post a how-to guide on painting Smith-Coronas? Once again thank you so much my friend!
Nice looking typer!
I've been looking into getting a typewriter recently. My hands just hurt too much for handwriting anymore, but I can type and get work done.
I hit the typewriter rabbit hole HARD! I went thrifting today and found 2 electric typewriters. I got a Smith Corona WordSmith KA1 1 for THREE DOLLARS! Came home, plugged it up...WORKS LIKE NEW!!!!!! All it needed was a little dust scrubbed off it. And also at another thrift store today, found a Sears SR3000 for SIX DOLLARS! Sadly the Sears unit it making all kinds of grinding motor noises, and things aren't moving and when they do it's not pretty...... BUT I am sooooo happy with the Smith Corona WordSmith!!!!!!!! Used it for my brain dump Journal that I usually use pencil with. Now to round out the collection going to be looking for a Manual typewriter.
I always use a typewriter!
I love to!
Great informative video!
I have a video request. Can you make a video explaining how you customized your typewriter? What type of paint, how you applied it, etc.
I may be buying a Remington Quiet-Writer Miracle Tab tomorrow, and customizing it is something I'd like to do in the near future.
Thank you!
Bonham Stacey I have been asked this a few times and I think I will go over my process, but I did move away from 'custom painting'. In fact, I have a new daily machine. Will share it all soon!
So nice,like it.
Congrats for your job, your entire channel offers lots of knowledge about typewriters. Now I’d like to ask you which is the best way to move all of our papers typed to the computer and use the papers in the digital platforms? thanks a lot and big hug from Brazil!
If I was asked the same question as the one in the title, I would have a video reply that only would've last 4 seconds:
Because it doesn't fucking crash every second minute like Word does.
The Smith Corona looks so damn cool!!!
I actually, learnt when was teenager to write on typewriter Olivetti Lettera 32. Still I have it, and was a great journey go back to that time when there were not computers, and as you said... No distractions, you had to be focused on what you were doing.
I don't think you mentioned about reading a paper document vs a computor screen. Ink on paper so much easier on the eyes. I totally agree with everything else you said.
What you said is so true. Typewriters keep you focused on your writing. You can always edit on your computer AFTER you're done.
When will your book be released? I would love to read it!
Using clasical Olivetti Lettera '35 & '45. Used for high school, bachelor and university hometasks.
Did you do a video about painting your typewriter? I am very interested. I have an old smith premier that I would like to clean up and paint it black and shiny as if it was 1930 again.
Very cool video, gives me an idea to make a video about my silver seiko 100
Thank you, I just decided to buy this typewriter I want so badly xD
i think you really get into your story when you type in a typewriter. my friends think i'm weird because i instantly bought a typewriter one morning. (it was 1500 Pesos or 30 Dollars.) there's this good feeling i feel when i type on a typewriter.
+Ish I agree. Typewriters and other ‘single purpose’ typing devices really do allow you to get into the rhythm of your work. Keep enjoying it. Just because others don’t understand the value of it doesn’t mean that there isn’t value.